Large parts of Somalia are currently experiencing severe drought conditions that have significantly affected both people and livestock, even as meteorologists warn that heavy rainfall could hit the country in the coming days.
The drought has largely been attributed to delays in seasonal rains, which have left many communities facing serious water shortages. At the same time, the water levels of the country’s two main rivers, the Jubba River and the Shabelle River, have dropped significantly. These rivers are vital natural water sources relied upon by many Somalis, particularly farmers who depend on them for irrigation and agriculture.
Meanwhile, neighboring countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia have recently experienced extremely heavy rains that have caused widespread flooding and significant loss of life.
In the Kenyan capital Nairobi, powerful floods reportedly killed at least 42 people. In Ethiopia, authorities say more than 102 people have died as a result of heavy rainfall and the floods that followed.
Weather experts are now warning that the same weather systems could move toward Somalia in the coming days. If heavy rains fall across river basins, there are growing fears that the Jubba and Shabelle rivers could overflow, potentially causing major flooding in communities living along their banks.
The situation is particularly concerning because many rural communities are already struggling with the effects of prolonged drought, including water shortages and lack of pasture for livestock. Farmers and pastoralists in several regions have been facing difficult living conditions due to the scarcity of water and grazing land.
Experts warn that without proper preparedness and preventive measures, the expected rains could quickly turn into another humanitarian challenge, especially for communities living in farming areas and flood-prone regions near the country’s rivers.